Self-drive trip from Saskatoon to Calgary

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A remarkable self-drive itinerary through the Prairies and Canadian Badlands

Start your journey in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; a vibrant city in the Canadian Prairies, the fourth quickest growing city and second-youngest population in all of Canada. Nestled on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, the city is known for its natural beauty, friendly community, and diverse cultural offerings. Come and experience Saskatoon as an incredible place to live, work, and experience.

Driving westward on Highway 7 toward Alberta, enjoy the picturesque views and rural lifestyle of the Canadian Prairies before transforming into badlands as you approach Drumheller, Alberta, also known as The Dinosaur Capital of The World. Discover and learn about prehistoric life that once wondered this land, and the coal mining towns that once populated this area.

Start location: Vancouver, British Columbia
End Location: Calgary, Alberta

Product ID
Destination/RegionsCanadian Prairies
Activity Level Easy
Duration 4 Days 3 Nights

All about the Self-drive trip from Saskatoon to Calgary.

Sunset over Saskatoon Skyline / Image Credit: Discover Saskatoon

Self-drive trip from Saskatoon to Calgary

Saskatoon is a place where prairie hospitality meets big-city sophistication. Where local dining and compelling cultural events converge. And where natural beauty beckons to a world of outdoor adventure.

Saskatoon is also one of the youngest city in Canada in terms of average age, be sure to enjoy the vibe of its vibrant neighbourhoods with a good drink and have a good time.

Friends visiting Western Development Museum

With its fertile lands, the region is known worldwide as a consistent and reliable supplier of safe, high-quality grains, oilseeds, pulses, livestock and agri-food products. So be sure to visit the Western Developmental Museum to learn of the history and lives of the past.

Located on Treaty 6 Territories, Saskatoon had long been a traditional travelling route and meeting ground for the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux peoples. This summer, we invites you to experience the art, cuisine, history, and culture of the first peoples of this land.

Dancer at Wanuskewin

Into the Canadian Badlands

A child / boy looking at dinosaur fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum / Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel

Man and child looking at dinosaur exhibits in the Royal Tyrrell Museum / Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel

A visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum ( left image ) is a must for everyone that passes through Drumheller, AB. It boasts the world’s largest display of Dinosaurs, dedicated exclusively to the science of paleontology.

A man stands on top of a rock while hiking through the badlands in Dinosaur Provincial Park / Credit: Jeff Bartlett @photojbartlett

Featuring landscapes like nowhere else on earth, the Canadian Badlands ( right image ) will transport you to another time and place. From prehistoric fossil beds and rocky canyons, to coal mining ghost towns and cowboy hangouts, there’s plenty to discover in this unique area.

Arrival in Cowboy Country

Calgary Cityscape of downtown with the Calgary Tower and Bow Building in the background / Credit: Brett Dietterle @brett_dietterle

Points of Interests:

Prairie Lily Riverboat
Western Development Museum Saskatoon
The Berry Barn
Black Fox Farm and Distillery – Premium Gin & Whisky
Meewasin Valley Trail
Canadian Prairies
Canadian Badlands
Dinosaur Provinical Park
Royal Tyrrell Museum

– Trip Dates –

Summer Season: Late June to Early September

*Please contact us for available travel dates.

Day 1 Arrive in Saskatoon
Welcome to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Where contemporary culture thrives alongside Indigenous history 11,000 years in the making.
Pick-up your pre-booked rental vehicle at the airport, and head to your hotel for check-in. Driving in Saskatoon is easy, and everything is just minutes away in this vibrant city.
After a short rest, make your way to the river and join The Prairie Lily Riverboat for an one-hour Tour of Saskatoon on the South Saskatchewan River, offering you some of the best views and stories of the City.
Feel free to roam the city this evening and move around at your own pace. For dinner, we suggest you visit the Odd Couple Restaurant, offering guests a fusion of traditional Asian foods with a twist!
Day 2 Discover Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a destination of discovery, and today’s journey will take you on a dive into the cultural and lifestyle of Saskatoonians.
In the morning, head to Western Development Museum Saskatoon for a walk through time – learn of Saskatchewan-inspired stories and how life unfolded everywhere as you journey from 1910 to the present.
After a walk in the past, we welcome you to The Berry Barn where there is always something going on. Consider staying for lunch, as it offers a full menu of home-style cooking, all-day breakfast, and incredible desserts you can get a real taste of Saskatchewan.
In the afternoon, depends on your preference, you may choose to either go for a sip at the Black Fox Farm & Distillery, or enjoy the great outdoors at the Meewasin Valley Trail.
Enjoy free time in the evening, there should still be plenty of sunshine to go around to explore more of Saskatoon!
Looking for Dinner option? We suggest you visit Primal, an award-winning Resturant that locals just can’t stop raving about it!
Day 3 Head West on Hwy 7
Today is your travelling day / Approximate driving distance: 480kms
After checking-out from your hotel, you will be travelling on Highway-7 toward Drumheller, Alberta.
Drive at your own pace, and enjoy the rich agricultural lifestyle and the scenes of Canadian Prairies.
Depending on your time of arrival, feel free to explore Drumheller and experience history in every corner.
*Please note that there will be a time zone change when you enter the province of Alberta.
Day 4 Relive the Past
Make your way to the Royal Tyrrell Museum this morning and visit the world’s largest dinosaur exhibit. Learn and discover the science of palenotology, as scientists uncover some of the Earth’s most intriguing histories in the Canadian Badlands.
If time permits, visit the Horsetheif Canyon for a easy 800m hike that brings you specatcular view of the Canadian Badlands.
Keep making your way toward Calgary in the afternoon, total driving distance will be approximately 150kms.
If you have the chance, stop by the Last Chance Saloon; Built by the Rosedeer Coal Company in 1913, this site will bring you back in time to when the West was Born. Enjoy a burger or smoked meat at the Last Chance Saloon and enjoy the various memorabilia that celebrate the lifestyle in the early 1900s.